2. DARK MATTER IN THE GALAXY

New data at virtually all wavelength bands are now available for
our Galaxy. In terms of the mass distribution, the most valuable
contributions come from a near IR map obtained with the COBE satellite
(Dwek et al. 1995),
and the ongoing microlensing
experiments (MACHO, EROS, OGLE, etc.). For the solar neighbourhood
dynamics, the new data from the HIPPARCOS satellite will provide
fresh insights into old problems. For the determination of
the Galactic rotation curve beyond the solar radius, see the
reviews by
Fich & Tremaine 1991,
Merrifield 1992, and
Olling & Merrifield 1998.
In general, it is assumed that the Galactic rotation
curve remains more or less flat at large radii, consistent with
data on satellites such as outlying globular clusters and dwarf
spheroidals. Thus the rotation curve of our Galaxy is similar to
that of any other larger spiral.